The hype
A solid, nostalgic favorite that looks better after the 2022 renovation but can't hide its 1979 bones.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
$100-150/ night
Book this if You want a wallet-friendly 'Grand Dame' resort experience with a private beach in the city center and don't mind some old-school quirks.
Why People Love It
- Private lagoon beach in the middle of the city
- The Tavern pub is a genuine Abu Dhabi institution
- Recently renovated rooms feel fresh (mostly)
Quick Take: A freshly painted classic that still suffers from thin windows, highway noise, and the occasional plumbing ghost.
Reviewed by @oficialanamedina: I checked into the Sheraton for a quick business trip and was honestly impressed. The lobby is stunning, and my room had everything I needed to work and relax. That bathroom lighting is a game-changer for getting ready!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'soundproof' windows aren't, and the 'City View' is actually a 'Traffic View'.
- You want a resort vibe without leaving the downtown grid
- You appreciate a classic British pub atmosphere (The Tavern)
- You are a Marriott Bonvoy member looking for good value redemption
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough daily service; staff are praised for being polite and responsive.
- Bathroom hygiene: Visibly clean marble, but watch out for the occasional 'sewage smell' from drains.
- Maintenance: Renovated rooms look good, but AC units can be loud and windows are drafty/thin.
- Linens & towels: Standard Sheraton white linens; crisp but not ultra-luxury.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; hallways can be musty; bathrooms have the aforementioned plumbing risk.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Sheikh Khalifa / Corniche Road traffic
- Thin windows
- Balcony acoustics
Before you book
Good to know
- A 4% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee, and 10% service charge are added to the bill.
- Valet parking is free for guests.
- The hotel is at the 'end' of the Corniche, so it's a bit of a walk to the main pedestrian areas.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for City View)
- Water shoes (lagoon floor can be a bit slimy)
- Modest swimwear (family-heavy crowd)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Resort View King (quietest option)
- Club Rooms (higher floors, slightly better insulation)
Rooms to avoid
- City View rooms (constant traffic drone)
- Connecting rooms (sound bleeds through doors)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and specifically request a 'Resort View' room facing the pool/lagoon. Please avoid any rooms facing Sheikh Khalifa Highway or Corniche Road.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach real ocean?
Sort of. It's a man-made lagoon connected to the sea. Calm, but no waves and water can feel stagnant.
Is the renovation finished?
Yes, completed around 2022. Rooms are modern, but the building structure (windows, plumbing) remains old.
Can I walk to the Corniche?
Yes, but you have to navigate some busy roads. It's easier to take a cheap taxi to the main Corniche promenade.
Is breakfast included?
Not usually in the base rate. It costs approx. 100 AED ($27) per person if not booked in advance.
Is there a resort fee?
No specific 'resort fee', but standard UAE tourism/municipality fees apply (approx 20% total tax).
How is the internet?
Generally fast and reliable, free for Marriott Bonvoy members.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Tavern' pub has a cult following; go for the atmosphere, not the 'rubbery' pizza.
- ✨
Walk to the nearby 'Mina Zayed' port area for the best fresh seafood market in the city.
- ✨
Club Lounge access is worth the upgrade for the free happy hour drinks alone (alcohol is pricey in UAE).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'City View' rooms are essentially listening booths for the highway.
💡The recessed balcony design acts like a speaker cone, amplifying street noise.
💡Occasional 'sewer smells' in bathrooms are a known plumbing ghost of this 1979 building.
💡The pool closes at 8 PM sharp, which feels like a curfew in the hot summer evenings.
💡The 'lagoon' water can get incredibly warm (soup-like) in August/September.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort is located and what's nearby.